?The Advice of Machiavelli In the novel The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli, the author describes a guide for leaders to help them rule. Throughout the book he explains many practical and easy to understand ways for leaders to improve upon themselves and become better princes or leaders. Much of what he discussed in The Prince was and continues to be relevant to leaders of the world. Through the examination of this novel it is clear that Machiavelli’s advice is relevant to religious leaders, dictatorial leaders, and democratic leaders.

Machiavelli provides advice for religious leaders and even dedicates a chapter in the novel to ecclesiastical princes. For example, Machiavelli explains that “all difficulties are prior to getting possession, because they are acquired either by capacity or good fortune, and they can be held without either; for they are sustained by the ancient ordinances of religion, which are so all-powerful, and of such character that the principalities may be held no matter how their princes behave and live,” (Machiavelli p. 39).

This advice shows religious leaders that it may be difficult to initially come into power because you must have great fortune or expertise; however, from that point foreword it is easy to maintain your power and your position. The people under their rule do not need to be governed or defended and are primarily happy. Religious leaders’ vast powers have the ability to make changes such as Pope Julius did simply with the threat of the greatness of the Church which was used to terrify other leaders. Advice from Machiavelli can be used for religious leaders to help them be successful in becoming powerful.

Dictatorial leaders can use advice from this novel to rule better. Some advice for dictators is “the nature of people is variable, and whilst it is easy to persuade them, it is difficult to fix them in that persuasion. And thus it is necessary to take such measures that, when they believe no longer, it may be possible to make them believe by force,” (Machiavelli p. 21). In short he is saying that it is easy to persuade people, but difficult to keep the persuasion, therefore, it is necessary that if they stop believing they must be forced to do so.

One such dictator to do so in history is Joesph Stalin who was the dictator of the Soviet Union. He persuaded people to believe in the things that he wanted them to believe in, and if they did not continue to believe in these things he would force them or even execute in order to protect his dictatorship. Machiavelli provides advice for dictatorial leaders that has been used historically to keep people under their control. From a democratic stand point Machiavelli also shows some insight on democracy.

For example, he states that a leader that is “highly esteemed who conveys this impression of himself, and he who is highly esteemed is not easily conspired against; for, provided it is well known that he is an excellent man and revered by his people, he can only be attacked with difficulty,” (Machiavelli p. 65). This has been used through the many politicians of the democracy of the United States for many year. Those that are well respected by the people are not easily attacked.

Such rulers are greater because they are working for the people to make their lives of those who respect them better. The Prince provides further advisement for democratic leaders to help them stay in power. Machiavelli provides a wide range of advice that helps religious, dictatorial, and democratic leaders. His principles help to get leaders in power, keep the citizens in control, or helps leaders to stay in power. Throughout history Machiavelli has influenced leaders with his novel The Prince due to its great and clear guidance of leadership.

Author: Brandon Johnson

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